As You See It: Nov. 25, 2012

I am a student about to head to college next year, and I want to add my voice to those college presidents in the East who favor changing the drinking age to 18. I cannot understand how we justify sending 18-year-olds to war to die for their country, and yet will arrest them if they have a glass of wine with their parents before they go. I also feel that the lack of supervision that accompanies underage drinking adds to the danger of an already dangerous (but unstoppable) pastime. Changing the drinking age to 18 would bring these teens out of the dark and dangerous places and into a more enforceable safe environment.

The law as it exists is outdated and ineffective and it is time for a change.

Kaile West, Aptos

Be patient when holiday shopping

As the Christmas shopping season is here, I promise that as a retail store clerk, I and my fellow clerks will provide the best customer service possible to the retail public. All we ask for in return is your patience, and not to be treated rudely.

Malcolm Reynolds, Santa Cruz

Train horn a welcome sound

I have been delighted to hear the train horn sounds recently as it passes by my Seabright home. I much prefer it to the traffic noises of cars whizzing down my neighborhood streets. The train horn's deep, long blow reminds me of other communal sounds in our city that I also enjoy like the fog horn, city clock and church bells. Trains evoke an earlier time when life was simpler and slower paced, which we would do well to learn from in our hectic times. I'm looking forward to riding the new Train to Christmastown with my loved ones this holiday season and welcome this new recreational opportunity to our region.

Saskia Lucas, Santa Cruz

Petition new state fire prevention fee

Many of us are receiving a billing and refund notice for the recently enacted State of California Fire Prevention Fee. This fee imposed by our elected officials is in direct conflict with Article 13A, section3(a) of the California Constitution, as amended by Proposition 26.

Unfortunately you must pay this fee to avoid a penalty. However, I urge you to file a Petition For Redemption along with your payment. This form along with information and instructions can be found on the Howard Jarvis website (HJTA.org and click on FireTaxProtest.org link). Remember you have only 30 days from the date of billing to submit this form along with your payment.